Into A Golden State

To recap the trip thus far: Day One, biggest earthquake in 40 years. Day Two, first rainout in 20 years.

The evening is not a complete washout. We repair to dinner at Kincaid's Bay House, a bar and restaurant in Burlingame. Giants first baseman Will (the Thrill) Clark soon appears at a table in the lounge. Above the bar there is a bottle of something, capped by miniature antlers, that goes for $245 a shot. We opt to send a light beer to Clark instead. He then sends us a Coors Light. The three of us ask our waitress if the Thrill could maybe, you know, send over three straws.

Tuesday, June 30, San Francisco

"Candlestick," says Carter, continuing his scouting report. "The people who can brave that weather—you got some real fans there." The Stick is said to be like the Rock (nearby Alcatraz Island), only less hospitable. But today all is blue skies and beachwear in the bleachers.

We meet 12 guys out here who are also visiting each of the California ballparks. Candlestick is the final stop for their red Econoline van. I ask them for their favorite part of the trip. Here are their replies:

"Five grass fields."

"No fights. I'm from Boston, so it took me a while to adjust."

"Sushi in Anaheim."

"Well drinks in Anaheim."

"Dodger Stadium the day of the earthquake: 12,000 no-shows."